Galaxy trade Hector Jimenez and move down in MLS Draft for allocation money

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, still seeking a wide player capable of running at opposing back lines, has called time on Bell Gardens native Hector Jimenez turning into that player.

The 25-year-old midfielder, drafted by the Galaxy in 2011, was traded Tuesday to the Columbus Crew with the 17th overall pick in Thursday’s SuperDraft in exchange for the 23rd overall pick and allocation money.

Jimenez scored four goals in 43 Galaxy appearances including three goals in 14 starts last year. The lightweight, 140-pound Jimenez struggled to become the consistent attacking threat Arena was looking for — much like fellow winger Robbie Rogers — and apparently former Galaxy assistant coach and Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter found Jimenez more convincing than Arena did.

“Hector is an exciting young player and we are pleased to welcome him to our club,” Berhalter said in a statement. “He is a player that possesses several strong attacking attributes and will help our squad immediately.”

The trade means the Galaxy have no first-round draft pick for the first time since 2007, an indication Arena is not impressed with the quality of available players. The Galaxy also have a fourth-round pick (72nd overall) acquired in a July 2012 trade with the New York Red Bulls.